levee

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The steep bank of a river.

   The purchaser of a riparious estate under the words "front to the levee," does not acquire the alluvion or batture, when there is land susceptible of separate ownership beyond the levee.

2. 2
   verb

   To keep within a channel by means of levees.

   To levee a river.

3. 3
   noun

   The act of rising; getting up, especially in the morning after rest.

   C. 1763, Thomas Gray, letter to Mr. Nichols And look before you were up in the morning, though you were a punctual courtier at the sun's levee.

4. 4
   noun

   A formal reception, especially one given by royalty or other leaders.

   I must take my leave, for the Cardinal holds a levee to-day, and let those fail in attendance who want nothing.

From French levé variant of the noun lever (“the act of getting up in the morning”).

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